Short Term Mechanical Properties
Quasi-static (slow rate) materials testing is necessary for mechanical
properties characterisation and for the development of material models
that
can be used in finite
element analysis studies, also conducted at MERL. Quasi-static testing
of components is used to qualify the components against a specification
or to aid
in product
development process.
MERL have test machines capable of performing
quasi-static materials testing at loads in the range of 10N to
250kN. A range of load cells and
strain measurement methods are available on site, to suit the wide
range
of material responses. Strain measurement options
include:
- Laser extensometers for elastomer strain measurements
- Clip gauge extensometers for composites and rigid polymers
- Strain gauge bonding for composites and rigid polymers
- External LVDTs
Dedicated data acquisition systems can be used to collect data using software
developed by MERL.
Many properties can be determined under quasi-static conditions with appropriate
fixturing. For example, materials properties that can be measured include:
- Tensile (tensile strength, elongation and modulus)
- Compressive
- Shear
- Poisson's ratio
- Bending and flexural response
- Bearing strength
- Fracture toughness / tear
- Creep/stress relaxation
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